IND vs WI: Hardik Pandya to be recalled for India’s Test Squad during India tour of West Indies: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is mulling to recall all-rounder Hardik Pandya in the tests for the upcoming series against West Indies, which starts on July 12th in Dominica. The BCCI is keen to have Hardik back in the red-ball side following team India’s poor show in the ICC WTC Final against Australia.
The talks of Hardik Pandya’s test comeback are not new. After recovering from his injury, a year ago, which kept him in distress for a long time, Hardik has only played the white-ball format. He is actively involved in the T20I and ODI games, however, his test appearances have become extinct.
With India stepping into a new three-year cycle of the World Test Championship with a two-match series against West Indies, the BCCI will certainly have thoughts of having Hardik back as an all-rounder in the side.
However, the cricketer has himself ruled him out from wearing a white jersey for India as of now. Hardik, in an interview earlier, said he will earn his spot if he were to step into the test side.
“If I want to play Test cricket, I will go through the grind, I will earn my position and then come back. For that reason, to be very honest, I will not be available or play the World Test Championship Final, or any future Test matches until I feel that I have earned my spot,” said Hardik Pandya.
Meanwhile, a senior BCCI official said that the selectors are keen to recall Hardik Pandya in the test format, but the cricketer has to take the final call.
“Hardik is definitely an option but it is Hardik himself who has to take the call on a Test return. Selectors are keen to see him back in whites. But is he in a position to play all three formats, especially considering he is an important player in ODIs? That is the call he has to take,” a senior BCCI official told.
IND vs WI: Ganguly wants Hardik Pandya to make test comeback
A couple of days ago, former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly urged all-rounder Hardik Pandya to make a test comeback. Ganguly’s statement came days after team India’s World Test Championship Final loss against Australia at the Oval in London.
“I hope Hardik Pandya is listening. I want to see him play Test cricket, especially in these conditions [England],” urged Sourav Ganguly on India Today.
Ganguly further said it’s not the right time to phase out the likes of Virat Kohli and Cheteshwar Pujara from test cricket. He reckons both of the players still have plenty to offer to Indian cricket.
“Let’s not jump to conclusions due to just one loss, India will always have talent. And I don’t think it is time to look beyond Virat (Kohli) or (Cheteshwar) Pujara. Virat is just 34,” he added.
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For more details head to BCCI’s official website.
